Hezbollah Resumes Fighting in Southern Lebanon

Beirut, Lebanon – Hezbollah has reengaged in combat with Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, according to reports from the region. The group had largely refrained from responding to Israeli attacks following a ceasefire in November 2024, which came after Israel intensified its military operations in Lebanon, eliminating several senior Hezbollah leaders including Hassan Nasrallah.

Israeli forces invaded southern Lebanon during that period, leading to discussions in Lebanon about disarming the group. However, Hezbollah resumed operations on March 2, 2026, shortly after the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes.

The Lebanese government banned Hezbollah's military activities on the same day, but Israel increased its attacks, including in Beirut, and expanded its occupation, displacing over 1.2 million people.

A 10-day cessation of hostilities was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 16, 2026, later extended to three weeks. Despite this, fighting continues in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah stated it would not accept a ceasefire allowing Israel to attack without response.

A Hezbollah military leader told Al Jazeera that the group plans to resume suicide operations against Israeli targets in Lebanese territory, a tactic used in the 1980s but not in recent conflicts. Lebanese journalist Kassem Kassir told Al Jazeera that Hezbollah has realigned its ranks and remains strong.

Nicholas Blanford, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council, told Al Jazeera that the group retained fighters, weaponry, and the ability to reorganize.

Negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, brokered by the United States, began in Washington, DC, in early April 2026. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the goal is an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and a lasting peace agreement similar to the 1949 armistice.

Aoun wrote on social media that he would not accept a humiliating agreement. Hezbollah rejected these negotiations. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that direct negotiations would not benefit Lebanon and that authorities should recognize this. Separate U.S.-Iran negotiations in Islamabad led to a ceasefire on April 8, 2026, which Iran and Pakistan said extended to Lebanon, though the U.S. and Israel denied this.

On that day, over 350 people were killed in Lebanon, including at least 150 civilians, according to ACLED. Kassem Kassir told Al Jazeera that Hezbollah's future depends on the outcome of U.S.-Iran negotiations. Regional meetings include a April 23, 2026, discussion between Saudi Arabia's envoy Prince Yazid bin Farhan and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who thanked Saudi Arabia for efforts to halt Israeli aggression.

Hezbollah relies heavily on support from Iran's government, its main benefactor since the group's founding during Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war. Reports indicate the U.S. has asked Iran to stop funding regional allies including Hezbollah. Daher noted that while Iran holds an ascendant role, Hezbollah is not merely a proxy, and the two share mutual interests.

The fall of the Assad regime in Syria has impacted Hezbollah by restricting smuggling routes, according to analysts. Hezbollah draws most support from Lebanon's Shia community but faces broader unpopularity, though initial dissent within the community has subsided as fighting continues.

Daher told Al Jazeera that the Lebanese state cannot gain legitimacy solely by controlling arms.